I figured this out years ago because I am short and we have lots of windows that need to be washed using a step ladder. Buy an inexpensive liquid dishwasher detergent (for a dishwasher) that has a "sheeting action" in the soap. Fill a bucket with warm water and stir in 1 cup of dishwashing detergent (for a dishwasher).
Go outside and set up your garden hose for rinsing the windows. First rinse the window with clear water. Then using a sponge mop on a handle dipped into the detergent, wash your window. Follow with a clean water rinse and let dry. The sheeting action of the detergent will leave the windows streak free.
By Shirley Sackman from Vicksburg, MI
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
What can I use for cleaning windows? How do I use vinegar for window cleaning?
By Linda Walmer from Stockton, CA
Mix 1 part vinegar with 4-5 parts water.
I use about a quarter cup of vinegar and a few drops of dish detergent. i favor dawn. put it in a half bucket of water. vinegar cleans and helps to reduce streaks and the detergent will cut the grease and crud off the window.
MCW has a good vinegar/water ratio for cleaning windows. I put it in a spray bottle then use newspaper instead of paper towels to wipe which saves a little money. Remember to FIRST put on some disposable gloves or you will end up with black hands. The newspaper leaves no lint or streaks unless the window is very dirty, so you may need a 2nd application.
Paper coffee filters also great for cleaning windows. I buy the absolute cheapest brand. I start my cleaning mixture as MCW makes it. For the outside and the kitchen, I also put in a drop or two a dish detergent.
Straight club soda in a spritzer bottle works well for windows and glass too, and its a good alternative if the smell of vinegar is too overpowering. For windows I use a squeegee and wipe up any excess with a microfiber cloth. It makes the job go a lot faster!
If your windows are really dirty I'd use a dish soap and water solution first as plain vinegar might streak.
Use equal parts water, ammonia and rubbing alcohol. The alcohol helps to keep the window from streaking and drys quickly.
I put rubbing alchol and water together, and either get a towel or paper towel depending on what is in my reach. Considering prices now I tend to try to find Towels that way I can rewash. I just put a few drops of the rubbing alchol and put about a gallon of whater.
I like the vinegar formula too and I have a ton of windows. My tip is an addition to the newspaper usage. My local newspaper sells 'end rolls' for practically nothing. Using the unprinted paper keeps the ink from being a problem on hands or painted frames. Also, the paper is super cheap for kids art work and for packing when moving. I have also recently discovered the magic of micro fiber towels. They leave no lint and can be used over and over (sparing the trees). Dollar Tree sells them in all shapes and sizes for $1 each. They are a real bargain!
I use a previous tip of the day from this site
1/2 tsp liquid dish washing soap
1/4 cup vinegar
2 cups water
Put it in a spray bottle and shake to mix.
A much less expensive product is windshield washer fluid - works great for a whole lot less!
I just moved into a new flat, but I have no idea how to clean these particular windows! They're double glazed and it seems like there is residue from a previous bad cleaning. However when I tried to get it off it seems like the residue/marks are inside the two panels!
I don't know how this is possible and I really need your help, the windows just look awful!
We have multiple dots developing on our low E windows. They are in the front and back of house, so it doesn't matter which direction the sun is coming from. We had the original installer out to look at them, but since they are beyond warranty, he just shrugged his shoulders and said he had never seen this problem and we were pretty much ignored.
Has anyone heard of this and what might be causing it? They spots are definite round circles as are polka dots.
By Laurie from Edmonton, Alberta
It might be where acid rain hit them,we had that happen to our car windshield. We washed it several times with vinegar & a sponge mop. It helped, good luck.
I need to clean my business windows. I'm on a busy main road were anything from farm vehicles, semis, cars, and so on are passing. There is lots of wind blowing dirt, chemicals, and more. I've cleaned the outside windows with Windex, ammonia, vinegar, and tried the toothpaste.
I still have these dirty not appealing spots on the window. What else do I try before paying $300 for my 9'x9' window to be cleaned by a pro.What is a good way to clean outside windows on a house?
What can be used to clean tinted vinyl sunporch windows?
By Donna from South Daytona, FL
I have just had new PVC windows installed and there seems to be some sort of scummy marks on the glass, it's like grease or something. Everything I have tried to clean the glass with just seems to wash over the scum and I have tried everything I can think of. Any ideas?
By Kathleen Dempster from UK
I do not know what is on my windows. Whatever it is it smudges and stays on them when I wash them. They actually look foggy when the sun shines in. It's on my new car windows, too. I've tried everything I can think of to remove it, but nothing works.
I live in a fairly wooded area and I think it's something from the trees. It starts out as a very very small white/clear dot and when I wash them it smears and nothing will touch it
help
By DB
My husband sprayed hornet and wasp spray above a window and the drift left streaks on the window below. How can I remove wasp spray stains from our window?
By Lou L
Is there a method or gadget to clean the outside of your windows from the inside? My upstair windows are too high to do from outside.
By Bob Y.
